These include the businesses Rudolf A. Oetker (RAO), Furness Withy Chartering and the bulk activities in Alianca Navegacão (Aliabulk).

Hamburg Süd’s bulk shipping business operates from Hamburg, Melbourne, London and Rio de Janeiro with a chartered fleet of about 45 vessels in the handysize, supra/ultramax and Kamsarmax/Panamax divisions.

“With this step, Hamburg Süd is focusing as planned on its liner business with its two container shipping brands, Hamburg Süd and Aliança,” said Hamburg Süd chief executive Dr Arnt Vespermann.

“As part of Maersk, the world’s largest liner shipping company, this clear focus is a logical step,” he said. “At the same time, CNCo is an established and well-respected company in bulk shipping that is on a growth course in this segment and therefore constitutes a good new home for RAO, Furness Withy and Aliança Bulk.”

Based in Singapore, CNCo is owned and operated as part of the multinational Swire Group.

The company employs around 2500 workers globally and owns and operates about 135 vessels, mainly dry bulk carriers and multipurpose liner ships.

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China Navigation Company managing director James Woodrow said CNCo was excited to have signed this acquisition.

“There are some very natural synergies between the businesses and we are delighted to acquire such an experienced and high-quality team and business that complements our own modern eco fleet and helps to develop our strategic expansion into the supra/ultramax segment,” he said.

“We share a strong corporate culture with a rich history spanning close to 150 years between Hamburg Sud (1871), The China Navigation Company (1872) and Furness Withy (1891) that demonstrates a shared vision and long-term commitment to the maritime industry.”

Closing of the agreement is expected by the end of the first quarter of 2019, however the parties have agreed not to disclose the sales prices.

According to the Rio Tinto operational update, Pilbara iron ore shipments during 2018 came to 338m tonnes.

During the December quarter, Rio Tinto announced it had deployed AutoHaul (a driverless train) at its Pilbara operations, approved a $2.6bn investment in the Koodaideri iron ore replacement mine, and approved an investment of $1.55bn (Rio Tinto’s 53% share $820m) at two projects to sustain production capacity at the Robe River Joint Venture.

“We delivered a solid operational performance in the final quarter of 2018, in particular across our copper assets,” said Rio Tinto chief executive J-S Jacques.

“During the year, we further strengthened our asset portfolio, continuing to invest in high quality growth.”

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Rio also reported bauxite production of 50.4m tonnes in 2018, 1% lower than 2017.

“During the fourth quarter, commissioning works at CBG in Guinea and the transition of operations from East Weipa to Amrun in Queensland resulted in a short term drop in production,” Rio Tinto stated.

Other major milestones in the quarter included first bauxite shipment from Amrun, said to have been achieved six weeks ahead of schedule.

]]>https://www.thedcn.com.au/rio-tinto-iron-ore-shipments-rise-in-2018/feed/0ALC electrified by NSW hybrid planshttps://www.thedcn.com.au/alc-electrified-by-nsw-hybrid-plans/
https://www.thedcn.com.au/alc-electrified-by-nsw-hybrid-plans/#respondMon, 21 Jan 2019 05:34:44 +0000https://www.thedcn.com.au/?p=15540A ROLLOUT of reliable charging infrastructure will be crucial to encouraging the uptake of electric freight vehicles, the Australian Logistics Council says.

The ALC has this week welcomed details of the New South Wales government’s plan for electric and hybrid vehicles.

“If freight logistics operators are going to make the switch to electric vehicles, they must have confidence they will be able to charge those vehicles when and where they need to,” said ALC chief executive Kirk Coningham.

“The ALC Electric Vehicles Working Group has clearly identified a lack of confidence in the availability of charging infrastructure as a barrier to greater uptake of electric vehicles in the industry.”

Mr Coningham said the point had been made in the submission made by the ALC to Transport for NSW last year.

“ALC is pleased that today’s announcement addresses this issue and specifically commits to the installation of fast-charging points for electric and hybrid vehicles on key regional routes, including the Newell, Great Western, New England, Pacific and Princes Highways and the Hume Motorway,” he said. “Given the centrality of these corridors to the safe and efficient movement of freight throughout NSW, it is crucial that the NSW Government involves the freight logistics industry when considering the design and location of this charging infrastructure, so that it delivers the right outcomes for industry participants.”

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Mr Coningham said governments needed to act now to establish the right regulatory frameworks to allow CAVs to operate safely on Australian roads.

“Above all, it will be imperative for NSW to ensure it works cooperatively with other jurisdictions and the Commonwealth as both these plans are rolled out, so that cross-border regulatory inconsistencies do not impede national supply chain efficiency,” he said.

]]>https://www.thedcn.com.au/alc-electrified-by-nsw-hybrid-plans/feed/0Talks to resume between union and Hutchisonhttps://www.thedcn.com.au/talks-to-resume-between-union-and-hutchison/
https://www.thedcn.com.au/talks-to-resume-between-union-and-hutchison/#respondMon, 21 Jan 2019 05:13:38 +0000https://www.thedcn.com.au/?p=15530TALKS are to resume between the Maritime Union and Hutchison Port Holdings this Wednesday in an effort to resolve a damaging industrial row.

The Maritime Union has implemented work bans in Sydney and Brisbane over what it sees as an unreasonable offer surrounding wages and conditions for its members at the two terminals.

Transport industry sources told Daily Cargo News that disruption in Brisbane had been minimal and “everything is running smoothly”. In contrast, the situation in Sydney was described as “a complete mess” with delays for some transport operators.

Hutchison declined to comment on these reports.

However, the company has said in recent times that it requires “a more flexible workforce to improve its economic position and keep people employed”.

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MUA assistant national secretary Warren Smith said efforts by Hutchison to cut pay and conditions of Australian workers left them with no choice but to take industrial action.

“If Hutchison gets its way, waterfront workers would be left 26% worse off in retirement based on the company’s planned cuts to their superannuation entitlements,” he said.

]]>https://www.thedcn.com.au/talks-to-resume-between-union-and-hutchison/feed/0Giant shipping alliance extendedhttps://www.thedcn.com.au/giant-shipping-alliance-extended/
https://www.thedcn.com.au/giant-shipping-alliance-extended/#respondMon, 21 Jan 2019 05:00:54 +0000https://www.thedcn.com.au/?p=15527A SIGNING ceremony has taken place in Hainan, China, to mark the occasion of the extension of the Ocean Alliance cooperation agreement until 2027.

Started in 2017 for a five-year period with an option for a five-year renewal, Ocean Alliance is said to be the world’s largest operational agreement between shipping companies.

Signing on behalf of CMA CGM Group was Rodolphe Saadé, company chairman and chief executive.

On the occasion of his visit to China, Rodolphe Saadé also signed with his partners on January 16th the launch of Ocean Alliance Day 3 Product, CMA CGM’s new unmatched service offering. This reinforced offer is to start in April 2019.

Other executives were from Cosco Shipping, Evergreen and OOCL.

“This new agreement with our Asian partners will enable us to propose to our customers an unrivalled and competitive service offering,” Mr Saadé said.

“It is a milestone in our development strategy. It reinforces the CMA CGM Group in its key position within the industry.”

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Key figures of the Ocean Alliance Day 3 Product include:

Around 330 container ships, 111 of which will be operated by the CMA CGM;

Estimated carrying capacity of around 3.8 million TEU;

19 Trans-Pacific services;

Seven services between Asia and Europe;

Four services between Asia and the Mediterranean

Two Trans-Atlantic services

Four services between Asia and the Middle East

Two Asia-Red Sea services.

]]>https://www.thedcn.com.au/giant-shipping-alliance-extended/feed/0Newcastle commits to global green standardshttps://www.thedcn.com.au/newcastle-commits-to-global-green-standards/
https://www.thedcn.com.au/newcastle-commits-to-global-green-standards/#respondMon, 21 Jan 2019 03:30:41 +0000https://www.thedcn.com.au/?p=15507CHAMPIONING environmental responsibility has helped Port of Newcastle become the first port in Australia or New Zealand to commit to environmental sustainability standards set by EcoPorts.

The port has been granted membership of the International EcoPorts network, after completing assessments to meet environmental and sustainability practices against 120 major ports around the world.

Port of Newcastle environmental adviser Jackie Spiteri said the organisation had chosen to be a pioneer as part of its push for continuous improvement.

“Port of Newcastle is pleased to be part of a global network of ports operating within an established environmental and sustainability framework that understands and actively addresses the complex aspects of port operations,” Ms Spiteri said.

“We not only commit to meeting EcoPort’s world’s-best practice standards, but will work with other ports across the region to champion the environmental and sustainability benefits available for the maritime industry.”

Newcastle has confirmed it plans to further expand automation and electrification to improve efficiency, cut emissions and reduce its environmental impact.

The port’s $33m Newcastle Bulk Terminal upgrade – which has a new ship unloader with modern crane and conveyor infrastructure – is said to be an example of committing to safety and environmental compliance.

“EcoPorts PERS Certified ports combine improvement of the environmental impact of their operations and risk prevention with business improvement and improved contacts with authorities,” Mr Journée said.

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EcoPorts science coordinator and senior trainer Dr Christopher Wooldridge said the proactive approach of Port of Newcastle “identifies the port as an exemplar of good practice”.

Ms Spiteri is to attend the Ports Australia Conference in March to share the organisation’s experience in embracing the EcoPorts Environmental Management System to encourage other ports across Australia and New Zealand to make a similar commitment.

Port of Newcastle is now working towards achieving certification under EcoPort’s Port Environmental Review System, which is tested against best practice management by Lloyds Register and is understood to be the only system of its type in the world.

Developed in 1997, EcoPorts remains the only environmental management standard specific to the global port sector.

]]>https://www.thedcn.com.au/newcastle-commits-to-global-green-standards/feed/0Bulk boost for port of Mackayhttps://www.thedcn.com.au/bulk-boost-for-port-of-mackay/
https://www.thedcn.com.au/bulk-boost-for-port-of-mackay/#respondSun, 20 Jan 2019 23:30:22 +0000https://www.thedcn.com.au/?p=15509A DESIRE to cash in on the diversity of the central Queensland economy are behind North Queensland Bulk Ports’ decision to open a new facility at Mackay for bulk materials.

NQBP trade development manager Darren Fursman said Mackay was one of the major servicing centres for the Central Queensland mining and agricultural industries.

“As a business, we identified the potential for an area within the port to cater for a common user facility that can accommodate a variety of bulk trades,” Mr Fursman said.

“The new common-user handling area provides regional businesses that need to import or export bulk materials the opportunity to get their product to market earlier, grow trade and, potentially, lead to the development of their own storage and handling facilities.”

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The area is said to have significant storage capacity and be ideal for one-off, short-term or emerging bulk material trades.

As an example, the area is said to have a maximum combined storage capacity for grain of about 48,000 tonnes.

Under the changes, Bachelor of Applied Science (Nautical Science) students are to be able to study remotely for up to 45 weeks of their three-year degree, while Bachelor of Applied Science (Marine Engineering) students can complete up to 34 weeks of their studies online.

“Typically, students complete their degree in phases, interspersed with time spent working on ships. While the majority of course delivery occurs in semesters one and two, students are also required to complete short courses that are offered outside of those periods,” Captain Silva said.

“The new course structure gives students the option of studying remotely, meaning they will no longer have to take leave from work or be away from their families and home town for an extended time.”

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Captain Silva said that for sponsoring companies, it meant they would not have to release their officers from work for long periods.

“Overall, the new program structure is designed to provide a better work-life-study balance,” he said.

Students are expected to be able to choose whether to attend on-campus classes or study remotely for the first eight to 10 weeks of the semester.

]]>https://www.thedcn.com.au/amc-seafaring-course-aims-to-allow-work-life-study-balance/feed/0THE GRILL: Craig Carmodyhttps://www.thedcn.com.au/the-grill-craig-carmody/
https://www.thedcn.com.au/the-grill-craig-carmody/#respondSun, 20 Jan 2019 21:00:51 +0000https://www.thedcn.com.au/?p=15536You’ve had a varied career, what are some highlights?
Clearly, working for Australian prime ministers – you can’t beat that [Mr Carmody was director of policy in the Office of the Prime Minister in 2013]. And the military, the entire time I was in the military I loved [Mr Carmody was in the Army from 1995-2005 and attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel].

Recently, with the Maersk/Svitzer group, I was head of the innovation area. I was the joint leader on the remote-control vessel project. As you can imagine, that was quite an amazing thing to take from an idea through to the vessel actually operating in Copenhagen. It took just on 20 months from having the money to getting the thing on the water. It will change how shipping is done. So, as you can imagine, helping do the next big thing was brilliant.

How has it been so far, being the Port of Newcastle CEO?
It’s been great. I don’t think anything actually prepares you to be a CEO. In my last job, I had the luxury of assisting MDs and CEOs into their roles, but nothing prepares you to actually have the job.
What I’ve found most interesting in the role was the amount of goodwill in the community towards the Port of Newcastle and the pride that the staff has in working for the port. I think there’s an amazing foundation for what we’re going to do next. It’s going to be a bit of a step-change and it’s going to be a challenge. The Port of Newcastle has been a coal port for quite a while, and we’re now talking about diversifying, it means new trades, new ways of doing things. You can imagine, for some people that’s going to be a bit of a “how do we do that?” there’s going to be a bit of learning and doing simultaneously, so.

What excites you about being at the helm of the port?
Well, you have to look at the history of the city to see what we’re trying to do. Newcastle used to be a steel town, but the BHP steel mill closed down, causing job losses and a contraction in the economy and basically a recession around the Hunter.

Then, they moved on to coal, and coal has been an amazing performer. But, if you believe most of what the media, the world and governments are saying, coal will slowly decline, and one day it won’t be the energy source that it was and there will be alternatives. Port of Newcastle needs to diversify, that’s what the board, the owners want, and that’s why I’ve been brought in.

The reason why I’m there is that we need to take the port and the region away from the reliance on coal into a diversified economy. Coal will still be an absolute part of the port of Newcastle operations, but it’s going to be all those other things: the container terminal, the cruise terminal, bulk goods, liquid fuels, whatever it is. That’s where the next jobs are, and it is an amazing opportunity that we have; every day we turn up to work we are creating what could be the next 40 years of work in the region. That’s why I took the job.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A politician. Or a military officer, and I did both. At five, I wanted to be the Prime Minister and then, by eight I wanted to be a military officer. By 20 I wanted to be a military officer in charge of politics, but that’s called a dictatorship.

What’s your favourite book?
“To Serve Them All My Days” [by R. F. Delderfield]. It is an English book about a public school teacher. It’s all about duty and service to generations. It is set post-World War I, pre-World War II.

What are your hobbies?
Computer games. I like to play first-person shooters and strategy games. Computer games are what I do in my down-time.

Port Officer Entry (Casual) – Port Kembla

About the role

Port Authority of New South Wales (Port Authority) is seeking a suitable candidate to join our Marine Operations team in Port Kembla as a Casual Port Officer Entry (POE).

You will receive approximately 12 weeks of on-the-job training (dependent on experience), however applicants must have proven experience in the Maritime field to apply.

A Port Officer’s role is wide and varied – from operating Emergency Response and Pilot Cutter vessels and undertaking marine response activities to maintaining equipment and provision of berth services. A Port Officer assists in sea going personnel transfers, manning and operation of Pilot vessels, conducting pollution and incident response, audits of bulk liquid transfers, aids to navigation compliance, security patrols and other emergency response activities, as well as ensuring port users comply with relevant legislation and port procedures.

Working Conditions

Port Authority operates 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, ensuring continuous efficient service to the Port’s customers. After the initial 12 week training period (which will be eight hours per day, five days a week), this position will support 24-hour operations by working both day and night 12-hour shifts on a 4 week rotating shift system.

Key Responsibilities

The NSW Government issues Port Authority with a Port Safety Operating Licence (PSOL) and this governs the work completed by a Port Officer. This work includes activities such as:

Undertake all Marine Response activities in relation to support operations as well as Marine Pollution and Emergency Response

Who are we?

We are a diverse team of specialists who work together to provide safe, efficient and sustainable world-class port and marine services in Sydney, Botany, Newcastle, Kembla, Eden and Yamba. We are Harbour Masters and Marine Pilots operating on the open water; we are security and navigation experts keeping ships safe; we are project planners building for the future; we are hosts welcoming 1.6 million cruise passengers to NSW each year; and we are the corporate and IT teams who bring it all together.

Port Authority values a healthy, supportive and challenging workplace, which embraces diversity. We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for our roles.